KiCad drill file Error

[donavan]

Hello,

I try to create a drill file in Gerber format but it tells me translated  "Coudnt create XXXX.drl" (Original: "Konnte Datei <C:GerbderData\XXX.drl> nicht erstellen.). Another board i created the Gerbers for today, he had no problems at all.
What kind problems can cause this? The error message isnt realy helpful for the error search.
Can he have problems with the drill sizes or maybe with the too precise positioning in KiCad?

/Edit
ok i deleted everything on the board and just placed a single Pin and it had the same error. When i created a completly new board it worked fine, so he doesnt seem  to have a problem with the size of the drills.

[SirNick]

As a WAG, look at the directory where it's trying to create the file.  Make sure it doesn't already exist.  Verify it's a legal filename.  Make sure you haven't filled up the disk.  Check folder permissions.  An error message (in any program) that says "Unable to create file xxxx" usually means just that -- it can't create the file.  First port of call is to look at the file system for clues.  Also, check the Event Viewer (in Control Panel -> Admin Tools) to see if it left a more verbose message there.

[Neverther]

Or just try setting other output directory.

If the message really says "C:GerbderData\XXX.drl" it is missing \ after C:.

[donavan]

thanks for the suggestions, i tried alot of different directories but apperently i never tried another harddrive...

Yesterday i routed the complete board again and the drill file created fine throughout the process. Then today i open the project, made some tweaks and the same error again... after reading your comments i tried another hardrive and it worked again somehow... All drives are NTFS and have more then enough diskspace. Maybe somehow the directory was wrong, i chose the directory with the Browse button.

[SirNick]

A very common pattern is this:  Works the first time, doesn't work subsequent times.  Change output folder and it will again work the first time, and not after.  That is usually due to one of the following:

1) The program doesn't properly handle the condition of an existing file.  Being that it's KiCAD, that's entirely possible.
2) The file was opened in a mode that doesn't support overwrite.  Again, basic programming error that is entirely likely at this stage of development.
3) The directory permissions allow creating new files but not overwriting existing ones.  That's all you.  (Are you logged in as admin?)
4) The program did something to the directory or file permissions that prevent further modifications.  Possible, but not as likely.
5) Some program on your computer (anti-virus, Gerber viewer, etc.) has the file open, locking it against write operations.